| Wouldn't it be great to be able to write a song | | | | probably adequate. You may even have as many as |
| especially for a special celebration, or to honor | | | | eight, but more than that and your song may become |
| someone that you love? Some people seem to have | | | | drudgery. An experienced songwriter may pull off a |
| a natural talent for writing songs. Perhaps you've | | | | ten-line chorus, but for your first try you should keep it |
| always believed you aren't one of those people. Think | | | | simple. |
| again. If you've ever had the inkling to write a song, you | | | | The bridge of the song is something like a short |
| probably have what it takes. All you need are a few | | | | interlude. It too should be fairly simple, no more than |
| tools to help you get started. | | | | four to six lines in length. The bridge is the part of the |
| Would it surprise you to know that many bestselling | | | | song that ties all of your thoughts together. It might be |
| books, blockbuster movies, and even songs started | | | | the solution to the problem you are singing about. It |
| out as nothing but a title? Believe it or not, starting with | | | | might be an epiphany that has resulted from all of the |
| nothing but a title is your best bet. Forget lyrics for | | | | other thoughts in the song. It should not present a new |
| now. Don't worry if you can't read music and don't play | | | | thought, however; otherwise it's not really a bridge, and |
| an instrument. Focus on a title. The title should be born | | | | it's just another verse. It should be a natural segue |
| from the heart of the song, your inspiration for writing a | | | | from the ideas presented in the verses to the chorus. |
| song. What is it that moved you to want to write a | | | | Once your words are complete, you can focus on the |
| song in the first place? That's what your title should be. | | | | melody. If you read music and play an instrument, this |
| Some rules of thumb for titling your song: keep it fairly | | | | part is probably easy for you. If you aren't a skilled |
| simple. Three to five words are usually best. | | | | transcriptionist and you want to have the music scored |
| Sometimes one or two words can capture the | | | | out, you may need to enlist someone to transcribe for |
| emotion as well as 3 or 4. More than five is typically | | | | you. This is probably not a necessity, though, unless |
| too many, unless it's a comedy song. The title will often | | | | you plan to have it played by a band or you want to |
| appear as a line somewhere in the lyrics of the song. | | | | market it. |
| But this isn't necessarily the case. The title may simply | | | | Chances are, for your first attempt, just you and a |
| reflect the subject of the song, or even who the song | | | | piano or guitar will suffice. If you don't read music, you |
| is for/about (for example: "Nadia's Theme"). | | | | can find a musical friend to help, or even hire a |
| Once you have a title, you have a starting point, a | | | | professional. This is an especially good idea if you plan |
| place from which your thoughts can flow. Now you | | | | to present the song publicly. |
| need to think structure. Most every song ever written | | | | Your first song doesn't have to be a billboard hit. Music |
| follows a similar structure: a verse, chorus, another | | | | is meant to touch the soul. If that's what your song has |
| verse, chorus, bridge, and chorus. A good pop song | | | | done, even for just a few people, then you've |
| usually has no more than 2 to 3 verses at most. Don't | | | | accomplished what you set out to do. Writing songs |
| stress out too much over stanza numbers. You'll | | | | just for your own personal benefit can be a good thing, |
| probably want more than one, but if you can't come up | | | | even if no one else hears them. It can be very |
| with more than two your song will be just fine. Similarly, | | | | therapeutic, and it's an excellent way to express your |
| don't go overboard. Most listeners will fall asleep long | | | | inner emotions. Once you start, you might find you |
| before the ninth stanza. | | | | have a knack for song writing after all. |
| When it comes to the chorus, four to six lines are | | | | |